Inside the Miami Marlins with MLB.com beat writer Joe FrisaroTwitter

Early to work at Marlins camp

JUPITER, Fla. — Stretch for Marlins players on Tuesday is set for 9:30 p.m. ET. But that didn’t keep a number of players from getting in some work even earlier at the Roger Dean Stadium complex.

Mike Dunn executes the towel drill.

Before 9 a.m., several pitchers were on the mound doing the “towel drill,” which simulates throwing and the snap of the towel helps determine if their mechanics on clean.

Position players technically don’t get going until Thursday, but on a smaller field that is designed for infield drills, veteran Rafael Furcal was getting a head start on his transition to second base.

Rafael Furcal getting early work making the turn at second base.

A career shortstop, Furcal is switching to second. The Marlins are high on Adeiny Hechavarria at shortstop, and Furcal could still see some games at his old position, if necessary.

Marlins infield coach Perry Hill, one of the best in the business, was giving special attention to Furcal and his footwork in handling relay throws to second base. Footwork around the base is imperative to not only making the plays, and turning double plays, but to making sure the middle infielders don’t get hurt while being taken out by the baserunner.

Austin Nola, expected to be the Double-A Jacksonville shortstop, also was getting some instruction on making the turn as a second baseman.

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